Day 42: It's A Small World (shìjiè zhēn xiǎo)

After a week's delay due to the massive flooding in Butuan, the Chinese New Year's presentation of the students of Butuan Faith Christian School finally pushed through today. Nothing prepared me for the amazingly majestic showcase of dances and song that the entire student body spent weeks and weeks of practice on while under the able tutelage of their teachers and advisers. From the way the audience reacted after every number, it was obvious that they were blown away. Well, you be the judge...here are the different performances of the talented students of BFCS...

Day 341: A Pizza Party

As in previous years, Jarred Andrei celebrated his 8th birthday with a party in school together with his classmates, teachers, friends and sisters. 

This year was like an extension of last year's pizza extravaganza.  An xtra super Cappricciosa pizza from Calda Pizza was the highlight of the afternoon recess time.  It was a huge 36" concoction of thin crust, tomato sauce, mozarella cheese, salami and mushrooms.  I knew that I made a good flavor choice when the kids kept on coming back for seconds and even thirds.

It was a simple and yet memorable event for my son who was just so glad to have been able to celebrate his special day with friends.

Day 309: Fruits of Labor

After a long and arduous scholastic journey, Jarred Andrei was awarded the highest recognition in his English studies for the 2nd Quarter. I was literally in tears when his name was announced and my heart swelled with so much pride and gratitude. It was a double achievement as he was able to retain his 2nd Honors position in Chinese studies. It was truly a day of joy for the students, parents and teachers as the efforts of the young achievers were duly acknowledged and rewarded. 

Day 281: Nature's Bounty

This was the very first time we joined an out-of-town field trip together with the entire elementary class and faculty of BFCS. For two years in preschool, our entourage only composed of the Nursery, Kinder 1 & 2 classes and itinerary was usually limited to within the city only. 

Well, this school field trip turned out to be a family bonding time too as we all joined Kuya Jarred and his schoolmates. It began as an adventure ride since we decided to just wander off on our own and take the public bus from Butuan City to Balingoan, Misamis Oriental which took about 2.5 hours on the road. 

We arrived at Mantangale Dive Resort an hour short of noontime and just in time for Jarred to join the group picture taking. Soon after, it was time to unpack our lunch/picnic kits and get ready for lunch. Everyone brought so much food that it turned out like one big picnic party and sharing with each other was one of the greatest highlights of the day. 

After a short rest, the kids hit the pool, swam and played to their hearts' delight. A couple of hours before departing for Butuan, the kids were gathered by their teachers for some games and sports events. 

It was already dusk when we finally arrived home and it was obvious that the kids had an amazing time as they were soon dozing off to dreamland after a full day of fun, friends and family bonding. 

Day 271: Teachers' Day 2010

In Chinese schools, Teachers' Day is celebrated on the birthday of the great Chinese thinker and philosopher, CONFUCIUS. This was a bit different from what I got used to as a young student since we usually paid tribute to our teachers on Valentine's Day. 

This year, the elementary students of BFCS paid homage to their teachers by singing the song, "Wind Beneath My Wings". It was a surprise presentation that the children themselves put together and practiced on their own which made it such a poignant part of the day's program.

To all teachers, thank you for partnering with us parents in assuring a quality education for our children so that they may all grow up as God-loving Christians full of potential, talent and ability to carve a wonderful future for this world.

Day 246: Pride and Joy

One of the gazillion things I love about being a mom is watching my children absorb the things they encounter everyday like sponges. Their learning potential is truly at its peak right now that they're in preschool and primary ages. 

Ever since starting formal school almost 3 years ago, Jarred Andrei, my firstborn, has developed in leaps and bounds from the very first time he held a pencil in his hand and attempted to write. Sure, he was an excellent verbal communicator but he was weak in reading and writing then. 

My little man has grown a lot since then and has achieved far greater than I have ever imagined he would. It was a mother's pride that nearly made me shed tears when I got up on stage to pin his ribbons during the 1st Quarter Recognition Day today. He was 2nd Honors in both the Chinese and English Departments. I was overwhelmed with joy as I saw that sparkle in his eye. It certainly made me think that all those hours labored over exam reviewers were well worth it.

Day 239: Celebrating BFCS' 22 years

By the end of a very long and tiring week, everyone was ready to take things slower. Today marked the awarding ceremonies of the SportsFest and Literary-Musical events held earlier in the week. By noon, parents and teachers also had an opportunity to bond over the Luncheon Fellowship. In the end, all kids went home winners, their hearts full of pride and joy.

Day 238: Treasure-Trove of Talent

Every year during the school's Foundation Week celebration, the most awaited event has always been the "Lit-Mus" or Literary Musical Competition. This year was no exception. Everyone was revved up for the different categories. Hours before showtime, students, parents and teachers were scrambling about to prepare for the contest - make-up, costumes and props had their last minute touch-ups.

Right before curtain call, there was a bevy of amazing costumes, animated characters and attractive props. The different groups had to compete in three categories namely, Readers' Theater, Speech Choir and Song Interpretation.

Here is the SUN Team (which my son is a part of) with their Readers' Theater performance that earned them first place...

...and their poignant interpretation of the Newsboys' "Amazing Love" which garnered 2nd place...

Day 237: Sports Fun

Day Two of the week-long Foundation Week festivities rallied the athletes of Butuan Faith Christian School. It was a fun-filled day of sports, games and a whole lot of bonding. The different teams first competed in a quiz followed by games and sports activities. The mommies and guardians weren't spared as they too joined in the fun.

Day 236: Grand Parade

Students, Teachers, Admin and Parents unite to start the celebration with a big bang!

Princes and Princesses with their court

After nearly a month of preparations, the long-awaited school foundation week celebration has finally come. This year, BFCS certainly pulled all the stops - from the very successful fund raising activity (plastic recycling) to the announcement of this year's young Prince and Princesses. 

For me personally, this event has given me the opportunity to help out and support the children and faculty in the different contests. It was also a wonderful venue to meet up and get to know the other parents in the community.

Take a peek at the grand opening salvo...

The fierce warriors - DACTYL Team

The bright and cheery SUN Team

The ever-sparkling  STAR Team

The young scene-stealers - TITANS Team

Day 228: Breaktime!

The preparations for the BFCS Foundation Week celebration is on full swing now. All groups from preschool to elementary are busy with memorizing their lines for both the Speech Choir and Readers Theater, learning the steps for the Song Interpretation and Field Demo. 

Stage Mom that I am, I've taken an active role in the week-long celebration by helping out the SUN Team with the Speech Choir and Readers Theater. During rehearsals, I would be the one correcting their pronunciation, intonation and pausing. I also helped them achieve the right vocal power and unison. The SUN kids are a bunch of talented, hardworking and energetic boys and girls. Of course, there are times when they'll be kids and get rowdy or noisy but they do know when to get downright serious and give their performance best.

Day 225: This School Year

The school year has been pretty much mapped out already. It's jampacked with activities, both curricular and non-curricular. I'm glad to know that there will be a Chinese New Year celebration this year too!

It's going to be a year full of fun and creativity for the kids, teachers and parents! I'm totally excited!!!

Day 221: First Quarter Exams

The dreaded First Quarter Exam week is finally here. From today until Friday, my son and the rest of his schoolmates will put to test what they've learned so far this school year.

I can only hope and pray that the review and preparations we did over the weekend were enough for my Jarred Andrei to hurdle the exams.

Day 219: Review

Examinations are dreaded by most if not all students. Well, as a parent, I also dread the coming of quarter exams since it means a toxic week of intense review. Ever since Jarred was in Kinder I, I've made it a point to prepare printed reviewers based on their lesson coverage. I discovered that doing such really makes him more interested in review and testing than just going through his books or notes. 

It does take some deal of preparation on my end (I need to have the pointers ready a week before exams) but the review proper becomes a breeze once the sample tests are ready and printed out.

If it makes my son's work much easier, I'd gladly take on the sacrifice each quarter to prepare his reviewers for him. For parents who need help on making such sample exams for their children, I've made the ones for Mathematics and Science available on Google Docs.

Day 218: First PTA 2010

With the school's foundation anniversary fast approaching, Butuan Faith Christian School (BFCS) held its first PTA meeting for SY 2010-2011. Instead of the usual general PTA assembly, we were broken into groups. This year's grouping theme is about celestial bodies. My son Jarred is part of the Sun Group. The other two groups in the Elementary level are Dactyl and Star while the Preschool level is called the Titans Team.

Topics discussed were the different contests our children were going to be involved in like Speech Choir, Reader's Theater, Song Interpretation and Field Demonstration. It was such a blessing to have parents who are so open and willing to support their children in this endeavor. At the end of the meeting, we all agreed to come in full force during the foundation week and even participate during the SportsFest.


Go go go SUN team!!!

Day 209: Gettin' Ready for Foundation Week

For the past two years, my son Jarred took part in his school's foundation celebration as a member of the preschool group. Well, since he's in primary level now, this is will be the first time that he will be grouped with other elementary graders. 

He is a member of the SUN Group composed of 18 young boys and girls from grades 1 to 6. In preparation for the week-long celebration, they are knee-deep in preparations for the numerous group contests: Field Demonstration, Song Interpretation, Speech Choir and Readers' Theater. As shown in the photos, I caught them practicing for the Speech Choir competition.

Day 205: Nutrition Week 2010

In celebration of this year's Nutrition Week, here's a mélange of photos taken at Butuan Faith Christian School as the students showcased their healthy bodies and minds in an entertaining program filled with wit, talent and creativity. 

Day 204: As a judge

During the recently concluded Nutrition Week celebration at my son's school, I reprised my role as judge (last schoolyear was my first time). From the A1 Child competition for preschool, primary and intermediate categories, the jingle-making and interpretation, to the slogan and poster-making contests, there were so many talented children to choose from this year. Some were more witty and charming than others and yet hid wonderful treasures of talent inside.  Together with three other parents, we were tasked with choosing the best among the best. In the end, it was difficult to decide but the choices had to be made. For the preschool category, the A1 winners were from Kinder 1, for the primary category, the pair from Grade 2 bested their opponents and the Grade 6 partners were triumphant in the intermediate category. The Grade 2 and 6 pupils were the grand winners for the jingle-making and interpretation contest. Overall, it was a grand showcase of talent, skill and teamwork from all BFCS students. Kudos to all!

Day 194: Special "Bus" Service

The two girls are always excited to see off their Kuya to school or pick him up in the afternoon. Having him spend the whole day in school makes them miss him all the more. Their reunions are always so touching and poignant. Today, I brought them along to fetch Kuya...they happily mingled with the other school children as I was preoccupied with a young Grade 2 student who had been harassed by an upperclassman. All three young ones were happy to play with the other students who were waiting for their parents, yayas or drivers while I was appeasing the young girl who kept on breaking into sobs. We left the school with a disturbed feeling about the new student who has been bullying the younger girls. (Note to self: Remember to bring it up during the next PTA meeting)

Day 193: Long Test Blues

The reality that a new school year has started only hits me when the need for lengthy review comes along. During Jarred's preschool days, I prepare reviewers right before his quarterly exams. Now that he's in primary school, they have monthly long tests on top of the big quarterly ones. His first monthly long examination falls on this date today and tomorrow. The downside of having this new system is the frequency of reviewing and doing of sample tests but it's really more of an advantage because he gets to review each chapter lengthily in preparation for the quarterly exams. On my end, it's also good because even though I need to prepare the reviewers monthly, each one is shorter than what I used to do for quarter exams and this time, I only need to combine the tests I do for each month to prepare for the big one.